Rare rare footage of The Police, curated from across the internet. We're actively searching for footage — check back soon.
The rarest footage in the archive — clips that most fans have never seen and many didn’t know existed. Private recordings, forgotten television appearances, bootleg tapes that surfaced decades later, and moments captured by someone who happened to be in the right place at the right time. These are the clips that make you stop scrolling.
The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. Their core line-up comprised Sting (lead vocals, bass, primary songwriter), Andy Summers (guitar) and Stewart Copeland (drums, percussion). The Police became globally popular from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. Emerging in the British new wave scene, they played a style of rock influenced by punk, reggae, and jazz. Their 1978 debut a...
Full The Policearchive →No rare clips of The Police yet — we're working on it.
Unseen Moments from The Police's Formative Years
As we delve into the rare footage of The Police, it becomes clear that these clips are not just archival curiosities, but windows into a pivotal moment in rock history. Formed in London in 1977, this trio - comprised of Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland - would go on to become one of the most influential bands of their generation. But before they achieved global stardom, The Police was a band still finding its footing, experimenting with a unique sound that blended punk's energy, reggae's rhythms, and jazz's improvisational spirit.
One such moment is captured in "The Police 1979 live at Musikladen (5) - 'Truth Hits Everybody'". This clip, mislabeled as "Next To You" in error, showcases the band's early live performances. The energy is palpable as they launch into a frenetic rendition of "Truth Hits Everybody", one of their earliest singles. It's a testament to the band's ability to convey intensity and passion even at this nascent stage.
The Police's formative years were marked by a series of small club shows, radio appearances, and television performances that often flew under the radar. These rare moments provide a fascinating glimpse into the band's creative evolution. Take, for instance, "The Police - So Lonely (1979) | LIVE". This clip is a poignant example of The Police's ability to craft infectious hooks and melodies even in their earliest days.
These live performances were often recorded on bootleg tapes or captured by private individuals who happened to be in attendance. As such, the quality can vary, but the significance remains unchanged. These clips are not just historical artifacts; they offer a raw, unvarnished look at The Police's creative process and artistic growth.
The Police's breakthrough came with their 1979 album "Reggatta de Blanc", which introduced their unique blend of styles to a wider audience. But even before that, the band was honing its sound in small clubs and on radio broadcasts. These rare clips not only provide a fascinating historical context but also underscore the band's dedication to pushing the boundaries of rock music.
One of the most striking aspects of these rare footage is the way they humanize The Police. We see them as individuals, not just as iconic musicians. Sting's charisma and stage presence are on full display in "The Police 1979 live at Musikladen (5) - 'Truth Hits Everybody'". Meanwhile, Andy Summers' distinctive guitar work shines through in both clips.
These moments also serve as a reminder of the importance of archiving and preserving musical history. Without these rare clips, we would have a vastly different understanding of The Police's early days. They offer a unique perspective on the band's creative trajectory, one that is often overlooked in favor of their later, more polished work.
As we explore this collection of rare footage, it becomes clear that The Police was always more than just a band - they were a cultural phenomenon waiting to happen. These unseen moments from their formative years offer a glimpse into the band's creative DNA and artistic growth, providing a fascinating context for understanding one of rock music's most beloved acts.
Curated from public records and music databases.